Lewis Hamilton was assured by the McLaren team that Jenson Button would not try passing him during the Turkish Grand Prix. This was revealed through new footage released by the official Formula One website only a few days after Button tried to overtake his team mate during the race.
On 30th of May, at the Istanbul Park Circuit, in Turkey the McLaren drivers, Hamilton and Button finished at first and second place respectively. They owe their victory to the Red Bull Team that collided in the fortieth lap of the race. The crash resulted in Sebastien Vettel retiring from the race, whereas Webber, who was leading the race, ended at the third place. The incident took place at a time when the four front drivers were struggling for the finish with instructions to save fuel to ensure they reached the end.
Button made a move on Hamilton with nine laps yet to go. He raced ahead of him for a short time till Hamilton gained his position at the final corner, before passing into turn one. At this stage they were repeatedly being told to save fuel.
Though Hamilton secured his first place he did not appear very happy after the race as they headed for the podium. There were suspicions regarding the pass that Button made. Hamilton questioned his overtake as they moved towards the rostrum for the final ceremony.
Now for the next Grand Prix in Canada, Formula One has revealed new radio transmissions on their official website, between Hamilton and the McLaren team.
As per the recording a little while after Hamilton was told to save fuel, he informed the team that, "Jenson's closing on me". Moreover, in another couple of minutes as he was still being asked to save fuel he questioned the team, that if he keeps slowing down to save fuel would Jenson pass him or not?
Well the shocking part of the tape is the reply of the engineers which assured that Jenson would not pass. But as witnessed on the track Jenson passed Hamilton. However, the time of this conversation is not made clear in the video.
The McLaren’s chief engineer, Tim Goss, soon after the race told, that target lap times were set for both the drivers and also identical instructions were being given to both drivers to save fuel.
But what happened on the track was contrary to Goss’s instructions. Either the instructions given to the two were different from each other, or one, or both of them did not follow the instructions.
At this stage when the instructions to save fuel were being given to the four front men, they were all racing with just a difference of two seconds at a frightening pace. Had the Red Bulls not crashed into each other, the McLarens might have run out of fuel, as both teams kept up an incredible pace. However, what could have happened, what was planned to happen and what actually happened all still remain a mystery.
Now the most important thing is the Canadian Grand Prix and the McLaren’s performance there. Some analysts are suspicious whether the bitterness would stay in the heart of any or all the team members, would the mystery be resolved before they move ahead or would it affect the McLaren performance in the upcoming race?
Only a few more days to go and questions remain unanswered. The cars are ready to race on Sunday June 13.
